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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZA2025-013 - APPROVING A COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO DEMOLISH AN EXISTING SINGLEUNIT DWELLING AND CONSTRUCT A NEW THREE (3)-STORY SINGLE-UNIT DWELLING INCLUDING AN ATTACHED TWO (2)- CAR GARAGE LOCATED AT 2050 EAST OCEAN FRONT (PA2024-0059)01-10-2023 RESOLUTION NO. ZA2025-013 A RESOLUTION OF THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APPROVING A COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO DEMOLISH AN EXISTING SINGLE- UNIT DWELLING AND CONSTRUCT A NEW THREE (3)-STORY SINGLE-UNIT DWELLING INCLUDING AN ATTACHED TWO (2)- CAR GARAGE LOCATED AT 2050 EAST OCEAN FRONT (PA2024-0059) THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH HEREBY FINDS AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. STATEMENT OF FACTS. 1. An application was filed by Brandon Architects, concerning property located at 2050 East Ocean Front, requesting approval of a coastal development permit. 2. The lot at 2050 East Ocean Front is legally described as Lot 13 Block D in Tract No. 518. 3. The applicant requests a coastal development permit (CDP) to allow the demolition of an existing single-unit dwelling and the construction of a new 4,376-square-foot, three-story, single-unit dwelling including an attached 563-square-foot, two-car garage. The project includes landscape, hardscape, and subsurface drainage facilities all within the confines of private property. The project complies with all development standards and no deviations are requested. 4. The subject property is designated RS-D (Single Unit Residential Detached) by the General Plan Land Use Element and is located within the R-1 (Single-Unit Residential) Zoning District. 5. The subject property is located within the coastal zone. The Coastal Land Use Plan category is RSD-C (Single Unit Residential Detached) - (10.0 – 19.9 DU/AC) and it is located within the R-1 (Single-Unit Residential) Coastal Zoning District. 6. A public hearing was held on April 10, 2025, online via Zoom. A notice of the time, place, and purpose of the hearing was given by the Newport Beach Municipal Code (NBMC). Evidence, both written and oral, was presented to and considered by, the Zoning Administrator at this hearing. SECTION 2. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT DETERMINATION. 1. This project is categorically exempt pursuant to Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations Section 15303, Division 6, Chapter 3, Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) because it has no potential to have a significant effect on the environment. Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2025-013 Page 2 of 9 01-10-2023 2. Class 3 exempts the new construction or conversion of small structures including the demolition and construction of a single-unit dwelling in a residential zone. The proposed project consists of the demolition of one (1) single-unit dwelling and the construction of a new 4,376-square-foot, three-story, single-unit dwelling, including an attached 564- square-foot, two (2)-car garage. 3. The exceptions to this categorical exemption under Section 15300.2 are not applicable. The project location does not impact an environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern, does not result in cumulative impacts, does not have a significant effect on the environment due to unusual circumstances, does not damage scenic resources within a state scenic highway, is not a hazardous waste site, and is not identified as a historical resource. SECTION 3. REQUIRED FINDINGS. By Section 21.52.015 (Coastal Development Permits, Findings, and Decision) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code, the following findings, and facts in support of such findings are set forth: Finding: A. Conforms to all applicable sections of the certified Local Coastal Program. Facts in Support of Finding: 1. The proposed development complies with applicable residential development standards including, but not limited to, floor area limitation, setbacks, height, and parking. a. The maximum floor area limitation is 4,730 square feet and the proposed floor area is 4,376 square feet. b. The proposed development provides the minimum required setbacks, which are 10 feet along the front property line abutting East Ocean Front public beach, 3 feet along each side property line, and 0 feet along the rear property line abutting the alley. c. The highest guardrail is less than 24 feet from the established grade (varies due to sloping lot) and the highest ridge is no more than 29 feet from the established grade, which complies with the maximum height requirements. d. The project includes garage parking for a total of two vehicles, complying with the minimum two car garage parking requirement for single-unit dwellings with less than 4,000 square feet of habitable floor area. 2. The neighborhood is predominantly developed with two and three -story, single-unit dwellings. The proposed design, bulk, and scale of the development are consistent with the existing neighborhood pattern of development. Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2025-013 Page 3 of 9 01-10-2023 3. The finished floor elevation of the proposed single-unit dwelling is 17.0 feet (NAVD88), which complies with the minimum 9.00 feet (NAVD88) elevation standard. 4. A Coastal Hazards Report and Sea Level Rise Analysis was prepared by G3Soil Works, Inc., dated December 20, 2021, and reconfirmed with a memorandum dated December 20, 2024. The project site is separated from the water by a wide sandy beach and the site is approximately 230 feet from the mean high tide line. The report concludes that the proposed project is reasonably safe from shoreline erosion due to the lack of waves or wakes that can erode sand from the beach. The report also concludes that the project will be reasonably safe from future sea level rise assuming an increase up to 10.9 feet NAVD 88 (the likely range for sea level rise over the 75-year design life of the structure based on low-risk aversion estimates for sea level rise provided by the State of California, Sea Level Rise Guidance: 2018 Update). The finished floor elevation of the first floor of the proposed structure is 17.00 feet based on the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88), which exceeds the minimum 9.0-foot (NAVD 88) elevation standard for new structures and exceeds the minimum requirements for sea-level rise. Furthermore, the report concluded that due to the distance of the property from the current mean high tide line (over 200 feet), it is unlikely that the mean high tide line will reach the property within the next 75 years. 5. Pursuant to NBMC Section 21.30.030(C)(3)(i)(iv), the property owner will be required to agree with the City waiving any potential right to protection to address situations in the future in which the development is threatened with damage or destruction by coastal hazards (e.g., waves, erosion, and sea level rise). This requirement is included as a condition of approval that will need to be satisfied before the final building permit inspection, respectively 6. The property owner will also be required to acknowledge any hazards present at the site and unconditionally waive any claim to damage or liability against the decision authority, consistent with NBMC Section 21.30.015(D)(3)(c). This requirement is included as a condition of approval that will need to be satisfied before the issuance of building permits, respectively. 7. The property is in an area known for the potential of seismic activity and liquefaction. All projects are required to comply with the California Building Code (CBC) and Building Division standards and policies. Geotechnical investigations specifically addressing liquefaction are required to be reviewed and approved before the issuance of building permits. Permit issuance is also contingent on the inclusion of design mitigation identified in the investigations. Construction plans are reviewed for compliance with approved investigations and CBC before building permit issuance. 8. The property is located within 300 feet of coastal waters. The project design addresses water quality with a construction erosion control plan and a post-construction drainage system that includes drainage and percolation features designed to retain dry weather runoff and minor rain event runoff on-site. Any water not retained on-site is directed to the City’s storm drain system. Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2025-013 Page 4 of 9 01-10-2023 9. Proposed landscaping complies with Implementation Plan Section 21.30.075 (of the NBMC. A condition of approval is included that requires drought-tolerant species. Before the issuance of building permits, the final landscape plans will be reviewed to verify invasive species are not planted. 10. The project site is not located adjacent to a coastal view road, public access way, or Coastal Viewpoint as identified in the Coastal Land Use Plan. The nearest designated coastal viewpoint is approximately 950 feet away from the project site, at the West Jetty View Park and the project site is not visible from this designated viewpoint due to distance and intervening structures. 11. As a beachfront property, the front and some of the side elevations of the new residence will be visible from the beach. The building design features large glass windows on both stories, glass guardrails, and uses modern lines and architectural treatments which provide visual interest for views from the beach. The proposed residence contains substantial architectural treatment and visual interest, in keeping with the design guidelines of the Zoning Code. The new structure complies with the required setbacks and the design includes modulation of volume throughout the structure, and low walls that prevent the appearance of the site from being walled off from the boardwalk or beach. Therefore, the project does not have the potential to degrade the visual quality of the Coastal Zone or result in significant adverse impacts on existing public views. Finding: B. Conforms with the public access and public recreation policies of Chapter 3 of the Coastal Act if the project is located between the nearest public road and the sea or shoreline of any body of water located within the coastal zone. Facts in Support of Finding: 1. The project site is located on the Balboa Peninsula, between the nearest public road and the sea or shoreline. Implementation Plan Section 21.30A.040 (Determination of Public Access/Recreation Impacts) requires that the provision of public access bear a reasonable relationship between the requirement and the project’s impact, and be proportional to the impact. In this case, the project replaces an existing single-unit dwelling located on a standard R-1 lot with a new single-unit dwelling. The project does not involve a change in land use, density or intensity that will result in increased demand on public access and recreation opportunities. Furthermore, the project is designed and sited (appropriate height, setbacks, etc.) so as not to block or impede existing public access opportunities. 2. Vertical access to the beach is available on either side of the project site via the L and M Street ends. Lateral access is provided on the beach. The project does not include any features that would obstruct access along these routes. Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2025-013 Page 5 of 9 01-10-2023 SECTION 4. DECISION. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: 1. The Zoning Administrator of the City of Newport Beach hereby finds this project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under Section 15303 under Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3 because it has no potential to have a significant effect on the environment. 2. The Zoning Administrator of the City of Newport Beach hereby approves Coastal Development Permit filed as PA2024-0059, subject to the conditions outlined in Exhibit “A,” which is attached hereto and incorporated by reference. 3. This action shall become final and effective 14 days following the date this Resolution was adopted unless within such time an appeal or call for review is filed with the Community Development Director by the provisions of Title 21 Local Coastal Program (LCP) Implementation Plan, of the Newport Beach Municipal Code. Final action taken by the City may be appealed to the Coastal Commission in compliance with Section 21.64.035 (Appeal to the Coastal Commission) of the City’s certified LCP and Title 14 California Code of Regulations, Sections 13111 through 13120, and Section 30603 of the Coastal Act. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED THIS 10TH DAY OF APRIL, 2025. Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2025-013 Page 6 of 9 01-10-2023 EXHIBIT “A” CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL 1. The development shall be in substantial conformance with the approved site plan, floor plans, and building elevations stamped and dated with the date of this approval (except as modified by applicable conditions of approval). 2. Before the final building permit inspection, an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney, the property owner, and the City shall be executed and recorded waiving rights to the construction of future shoreline protection devices including the repair and maintenance, enhancement, reinforcement, or any other activity affecting the bulkhead, that results in any encroachment seaward of the authorized footprint of the bulkhead or other shoreline protective device. The agreement shall be binding against the property owners and successors and assigns. 3. Before the issuance of a building permit, the property owner shall submit a notarized signed letter acknowledging all hazards present at the site, assuming the risk of injury or damage from such hazards, unconditionally waiving any claims of damage against the City from such hazards, and to indemnify and hold harmless City, its City Council, its boards and commissions, officials, officers, employees, and agents from and against any claims, demands, obligations, damages, actions, causes of action, suits, losses, judgments, fines, penalties, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including without limitation, attorney’s fees, disbursements, and court costs) of every kind and nature whatsoever which may arise from or in any manner relate (directly or indirectly) to City’s approval of the development. This letter shall be scanned into the plan set before building permit issuance. 4. No demolition or construction materials, equipment debris, or waste, shall be placed or stored in a location that would enter the sensitive habitat, receiving waters, or storm drains or result in impacts to environmentally sensitive habitat areas, streams, the beach, wetlands or their buffers. No demolition or construction materials shall be stored on public property. 5. This Coastal Development Permit does not authorize any development seaward of the private property. 6. The applicant is responsible for compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). In compliance with the MBTA, grading, brush removal, building demolition, tree trimming, and similar construction activities shall occur between August 16 and January 31, outside of the peak nesting period. If such activities must occur inside the peak nesting season from February 1 to August 15, compliance with the following is required to prevent the taking of native birds under MBTA: A. The construction area shall be inspected for active nests. If birds are observed flying from a nest or sitting on a nest, it can be assumed that the nest is active. Construction activity within 300 feet of an active nest shall be delayed until the nest is no longer active. Continue to observe the nest until the chicks have left the nest and activity is no Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2025-013 Page 7 of 9 01-10-2023 longer observed. When the nest is no longer active, construction activity can continue in the nest area. B. It is a violation of state and federal law to kill or harm a native bird. To ensure compliance, consider hiring a biologist to assist with the survey for nesting birds, and to determine when it is safe to commence construction activities. If an active nest is found, one or two short follow-up surveys will be necessary to check on the nest and determine when the nest is no longer active. 7. Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Good Housekeeping Practices (GHPs) shall be implemented before and throughout the duration of construction activity as designated in the Construction Erosion Control Plan. 8. The discharge of any hazardous materials into storm sewer systems or receiving waters shall be prohibited. Machinery and equipment shall be maintained and washed in confined areas specifically designed to control runoff. A designated fueling and vehicle maintenance area with appropriate berms and protection to prevent spillage shall be provided as far away from storm drain systems or receiving waters as possible. 9. Debris from demolition shall be removed from work areas each day and removed from the project site within 24 hours of the completion of the project. Stockpiles and construction materials shall be covered, enclosed on all sites, not stored in contact with the soil, and located as far away as possible from drain inlets and any waterway. 10. Trash and debris shall be disposed of in proper trash and recycling receptacles at the end of each construction day. Solid waste, including excess concrete, shall be disposed of in adequate disposal facilities at a legal disposal site or recycled at a recycling facility. 11. Revisions to the approved plans may require an amendment to this Coastal Development Permit or the processing of a new coastal development permit. 12. The project is subject to all applicable City ordinances, policies, and standards unless specifically waived or modified by the conditions of approval. 13. The applicant shall comply with all federal, state, and local laws. A material violation of any of those laws in connection with the use may be caused by the revocation of this Coastal Development Permit. 14. This Coastal Development Permit may be modified or revoked by the Zoning Administrator if determined that the proposed uses or conditions under which it is being operated or maintained are detrimental to the public health, and welfare or materially injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity or if the property is operated or maintained to constitute a public nuisance. 15. Before the issuance of building permits, the applicant shall submit a final construction erosion control plan. The plan shall be subject to review and approval by the Building Division. Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2025-013 Page 8 of 9 01-10-2023 16. Before the issuance of building permits, the applicant shall submit a final drainage and grading plan. The plan shall be subject to review and approval by the Building Division. 17. Before issuance of a building permit, a copy of the Resolution, including conditions of approval Exhibit “A” shall be incorporated into the Building Division and field sets of plans. 18. Before the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall submit a final landscape and irrigation plan. These plans shall incorporate drought-tolerant plantings, non-invasive plant species, and water-efficient irrigation design. The plans shall be approved by the Planning Division. 19. All landscape materials and irrigation systems shall be maintained by the approved landscape plan. All landscaped areas shall be maintained in a healthy and growing condition and shall receive regular pruning, fertilizing, mowing, and trimming. All landscaped areas shall be kept free of weeds and debris. All irrigation systems shall be kept operable, including adjustments, replacements, repairs, and cleaning as part of regular maintenance. 20. Construction activities shall comply with Section 10.28.040 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code, which restricts hours of noise-generating construction activities that produce noise to between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Noise-generating construction activities are not allowed on Saturdays, Sundays, or Holidays. 21. All noise generated by the proposed use shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 10.26 and other applicable noise control requirements of the Newport Beach Municipal Code. 22. Before the issuance of the building permit, the applicant shall pay any unpaid administrative costs associated with the processing of this application to the Planning Division. 23. Should the property be sold or otherwise come under different ownership, any future owners or assignees shall be notified of the conditions of this approval by the current property owner or agent. 24. This Coastal Development Permit filed as PA2024-0049 shall expire unless exercised within 24 months from the date of approval as specified in Section 21.54.060 (Time Limits and Extensions) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code, unless an extension is otherwise granted. 25. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the applicant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City, its City Council, its boards and commissions, officials, officers, employees, and agents from and against any claims, demands, obligations, damages, actions, causes of action, suits, losses, judgments, fines, penalties, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including without limitation, attorney’s fees, disbursements, and court costs) of every kind and nature whatsoever which may arise from or in any manner relate (directly Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2025-013 Page 9 of 9 01-10-2023 or indirectly) to City’s approval of Schwartz Residence including but not limited to, Coastal Development Permit filed as PA2024-0059. This indemnification shall include, but not be limited to, damages awarded against the City, if any, costs of suit, attorney’s fees, and other expenses incurred in connection with such claim, action, causes of action, suit, or proceeding whether incurred by the applicant, City, and/or the parties initiating or bringing such proceeding. The applicant shall indemnify the City for all the City's costs, attorneys' fees, and damages, which the City incurs in enforcing the indemnification provisions outlined in this condition. The applicant shall pay to the City upon demand any amount owed to the City under the indemnification requirements prescribed in this condition.